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Shabir Shah

Age: 67 
​Status: Detained since 2005 on fabricated charge

Born in 1954, Shabir Shah is one of the most respected political leaders of Indian-Administered Kashmir. Shabir was first arrested in 1968 after peacefully advocating for Kashmiri autonomy. Serving over 35 years in detention, Shabir was declared a Prisoner of Conscience by Amnesty International in 1993. Within the past 53 years, Shabir faced repeated arrests under Indian government laws. Charges were made against him without warrants, legal formalities or due process.

What is a Prisoner of Conscience?

Like Shabir Shah, prisoners of conscience are detained for non-violent expression of political or religious beliefs. They face unjust imprisonment for their identities or peaceful expression of deeply held convictions on human rights issues. Prisoners of conscience are often reprimanded by oppressive governments for practicing free speech and struggling for independence. ​

Watch Interview With His Daughter: Seher Shah

Perpetual Arrest that Violates International Law

Shabir Shah is promised certain freedoms and equal rights as outlined by numerous articles under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Despite such international standards existing to protect his human rights and fundamental freedoms, Shabir is still serving over 35 years in detention.

Article 3
Shabir Shah has the right to life, liberty and security as a Kashmiri.

Article 9
Shabir Shah must not be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile by the Indian state.

Article 18
Shabir Shah has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

Article 19
As a Kashmiri human rights defender, Shabir Shah is guaranteed the freedom of opinion and expression.

Article 20

As a Kashmiri leader, Shabir Shah is free to associate and assemble peacefully.

Shabir Shah: A Victim of Indian Settler-Colonial Policies in Kashmir

Born in 1953, Shabir Shah was first jailed at the young age of 14. He was arrested for organizing student demonstrations that protested Kashmir’s right to self-determination. Known as the “Jailbird of Kashmir”, Shahir Shah has endured 32 years of his life in jails. Currently, Shabir Shah is imprisoned on fabricated charges of money laundering. 

1968—First Detention
At the age of 14, Shabir Shah was detained for over 3 months for organizing peaceful student protests. Afterwards, he resumed his political activities and formed the Young Men’s League. Marking his long journey to and from jail, Shabir was re-arrested and jailed for another 8 months. 

1971—Second Arrest
Enduring an extensive character assassination campaign, Shabir Shah was arrested for 7 months and accused of being a pro-Pakistan activist. In fact, Shabir was advocating for a free and independent Kashmiri state.

1972—Third Arrest Following Peaceful Demonstrations
Shabir Shah was organizing demonstrations in Jammu, leading to his eleven-month arrest. During this period, Pakistan split into two regions, and Bangladesh emerged.

1973—Fourth Detainment
Upon release, Shabir protested decisions like the Shimla Agreement: a measure stipulating that Kashmir was a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, thus denying United Nations or any third-party intervention. As a result, Shabir was re-arrested for another 9 months.

1975—Arrested for Denouncing Kashmiri-Indian Agreement 
Signed in 1975, the Indira-Sheikh Accord mandated that Kashmir would continue to be governed by Article 370 of India’s Constitution. Denouncing the decision, Shabir Shah was arrested for 4 months and subsequently for another 30 months.

1980—Beginning of Underground Advocacy 
Shabir Shah was re-arrested for 12 months in 1980. After his 1982 release, he was jailed after the People’s League launched the Quit Kashmir Movement. Shabir Shah was later arrested two more times until 1983.

1993—Prisoner of Conscience Declaration
Amnesty International declared Shabir Shah a Prisoner of Conscience. 

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